Scheduling formula NFL regular season

1 scheduling formula

1.1 current formula
1.2 past formulas

1.2.1 1995–1998 nfl scheduling formula
1.2.2 1978–1994 nfl scheduling formula
1.2.3 regular season expansion proposals

scheduling formula
current formula

currently, thirteen opponents each team faces on 16-game regular season schedule set using pre-determined formula:

each team plays twice against each of other 3 teams in division: once @ home, , once on road (six games).
each team plays once against each of 4 teams division within own conference, assigned division based on three-year rotation: 2 @ home, , 2 on road (four games).
each team plays once against 1 team each of remaining 2 divisions within conference, based on final division standings prior season: 1 @ home, 1 on road (two games).
each team plays once against each of 4 teams division in other conference, assigned division based on four-year rotation: 2 @ home, , 2 on road (four games).

under formula, teams guaranteed play every other team in own conference @ least once every 3 years, , play every team in other conference once every 4 years. formula guarantees similar schedule every team in division each season, 4 teams play fourteen out of sixteen games against common opponents or each other.

non-divisional intraconference match-ups can occur on consecutive years if 2 teams happen finish in same place consistently. example, though colts , patriots in different divisions within same conference, 2 teams played each other every season between 2003 , 2012, largely because both teams finished in first place in divisions each previous season. similarly, redskins , rams played each other each season 2008 2012 because both teams landed in fourth place in divisions.

outside intradivisional match-ups (each of played twice-yearly), home team each match-up determined league according set rotation designed largely alternate home , away designations on successive years. rotation adjusted in 2010 teams playing against nfc west , afc west, after several east-coast teams (such new england patriots , new york jets in 2008) had make 4 cross-country trips play games in san diego, san francisco, oakland, , seattle in 1 season.

although scheduling formula determines each of thirty-two teams respective opponents, league not release final regular schedule specific dates , times until spring; nfl needs several months coordinate entire season schedule that, among other reasons, games worked around various scheduling conflicts, , helps maximize tv ratings. since 2010, last week of regular season has consisted solely of divisional match-ups, in attempt discourage playoff-bound teams resting starters , playing reserves.

past formulas

prior 2002 (when league expanded 32 teams) league used similar scheduling rubrics, though adjusted number of teams , divisions. 1970 1994, , again 1999 2001, league did not have equal numbers of teams in every division, not every team s opposition determined same means. while teams playing against division rivals twice each has been tradition since @ least afl–nfl merger, not teams play same amount of divisional games between divisions due imbalances had existed. afc central in between 1999 , 2001, consisting of 6 teams resulting in part cleveland browns relocation controversy, forced teams play ten intradivision games in 16-game schedule. time since merger league has been balanced has been 1995 1998 (with 6 divisions of 5 teams each) , since 2002 (with 8 divisions of 4 teams each). 1978 2002, teams played 4 of teams division in other conference on rotating basis (with exceptions differing between time periods), while lacking rotary schedule within own conference; meant while team more play every team in other conference on regular basis, go far longer without playing every team in own. example, between 1970 (when leagues merged) , 2002 (when current schedule introduced) denver broncos , miami dolphins played 6 times, including stretch met once between 1976 , 1997.

1995–1998 nfl scheduling formula

when divisions balanced between 1995 , 1998, each team play home , away series against divisional rivals (8 games), 2 teams each of other divisions within conference (two having finished same place, , 2 others determined placed in standings), , 4 teams division in other conference aforementioned rotary basis (where team placed in standings determines team in interconference division not play, , team have polar opposite place (i.e.: 1st polar opposite of 5th) in division). example of can seen right.

1978–1994 nfl scheduling formula

the scheduling formula before 1995 similar, except in modified format fit not having balanced divisions. during these years, teams in five-team divisions did not finish last not face 5th place team outside division, whether or not teams intraconference. there special so-called last place or fifth-place schedule teams finished in last place in five-team division. in addition division games, team finished in last place in previous season play other teams finished in last place in respective divisions (the intraconference 1 played twice fill void otherwise taken third team finished same place), plus clubs in 4 team division in conference. example of shown right. teams in four-team division played 6 divisional games, opposed 8 teams in five-team divisions had played. void filled having play against 5th place teams in conference in addition regular scheduling, hence tying fifth-place schedule.

regular season expansion proposals

there have been proposals expand regular season schedule 17 or 18 games per team. current commissioner roger goodell has said favors expanding 18 games. however, longer regular season proposal defeated in 2011 labor negotiations between owners , players association. 1 of proposals 17th , 18th games have every team play @ least 1 game abroad every year. idea being put forth houston texans owner bob mcnair move traditional regional rivalries played in preseason (such governor s cups) permanent annual part of each nfl team s schedule. nfl players association opposes extending season, largely because of injury concerns, , extending season require such extension included in next collective bargaining agreement. collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011 maintained sixteen game regular season schedule.